Analysis of the quality of information provided by "Dr. YouTube™" on premature ejaculation.

BACKGROUND

YouTube is an important online resource to access health-related online information by the public worldwide. However, the quality of information available on it has not been adequately characterized.

AIM

To assess the quality and reliability of information available on the treatment of premature ejaculation (PME) on YouTube in the Hindi and English language videos.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 151 (Hindi: 109, English: 42) YouTube videos were selected for assessment. The quality was evaluated using structured tools: Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT); and a 5-point modified DISCERN questionnaire (Range: 1-serious shortcomings; 5-minimal shortcomings). PEMAT assesses the understandability and actionability of video as separate percentages.

RESULTS

Three most common treatments suggested for PME were Kegel exercise (22.5%), start-stop technique (21.9%), and antidepressant medications (20.5%). Antidepressant medications, stop-squeeze techniques, and psychotherapy were more frequently suggested in English videos, whereas ayurvedic or herbal medicines were more frequently suggested in Hindi videos. About two-thirds of videos presented information in an easy-to-understand and actionable manner (PEMAT scores ≥70%). Only 6% of videos had a DISCERN score of ≥4, indicating good overall quality of information presented in them.

CONCLUSION

People likely to encounter poor-quality information when seeking information for PME treatment on YouTube. A large number of videos suggested ineffective or unproven treatment strategies for PME. Healthcare professionals need to be mindful of this while counselling patients, and guide them regarding useful and reliable sources of health information available online.